Socket with an actuator for guiding a locking element

ABSTRACT

A socket includes: a housing; and an actuator detachably mountable or mounted on an outside of the housing for actuating a locking element for locking the socket to a connector in a locking position. The housing includes a passage for guiding the locking element through the housing. The passage penetrates the housing and is arranged within a sealing region of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/082686, filed on Nov.23, 2021, and claims benefit to Luxembourg Patent Application No. LU102227, filed on Nov. 23, 2020. The International Application waspublished in German on May 27, 2022 as WO/2022/106723 under PCT Article21(2).

FIELD

The invention relates to a socket, preferably a charging socket, havinga housing and an actuator which can be or is detachably mounted on theoutside of the housing. The invention further relates to an arrangementof a socket and a connector, as well as to a vehicle, preferably anelectrically powered vehicle, with a socket.

BACKGROUND

In the field of electromobility, arrangements of charging connectors andcharging sockets which have electromechanical safety systems are knownfrom the prior art. Such a safety system serves to lock the chargingconnector with the charging socket during the charging process of anelectric vehicle.

For example, the European patent application EP 2 955 793 A1 describesan arrangement of a charging connector and a charging socket for avehicle. The charging socket is arranged on the vehicle side and,outside the sealing region, has a locking portion for locking with thecharging connector. To illustrate the locking, an actuator is mounted atthe charging socket in the side/edge region, outside of the housing ofthe charging socket. The actuator comprises an actuatable, cylindricallocking bolt which, in the locking state, blocks a locking clip of thecharging connector in the locking portion during the plug-in connectionbetween charging connector and charging socket.

A socket for an electric vehicle is known from the German disclosuredocument DE 10 2015 116 649 A1. In a lateral, flattened region of theconnector face, the socket has a locking hole on the connector portion,that is to say on the contact socket with the contact elements. Alocking pin of a charging connector can be inserted into the lockinghole in order to lock the charging connector to the socket. In theregion of the socket opposite the connector face, a contact guide islocated on the outer housing wall opposite the position of the lockinghole, to which contact guide a contact connector can be connected.

In the German disclosure document DE 10 2014 100 640 A1, a chargingsocket with is disclosed an actuating element module arranged laterally,that is to say on the outside of the housing of the charging socket, andan illumination module. The actuating element module is provided to locka connector inserted into the charging socket in the charging socketduring the charging process. This thereby takes place via an opening onthe outside of the housing, on which the actuating element module isarranged. The actuating element module hereby guides a bolt through theopening into the interior of the housing.

Countries such as, for example, the People's Republic of China or theUnited States of America require—by means of corresponding standards(for example the GB/T 20234.2 standard and he SAE J-1772standard)—safety systems with a locking pin or locking bolt. For such alocking mechanism, an actuator is located outside of and lateral to thehousing of the charging socket in order to guide the locking pin or thelocking bolt horizontally or vertically. The locking pin or the lockingbolt is thereby not guided through the sealing region, or preferably thedry region, of the charging socket, in which electronic and/orelectromechanical components and elements are located, for example, butrather is guided outside. In addition, the supplying of power to theactuators for actuating the locking pin or the locking bolt, as well astheir activation, takes place by means of external and thereforeadditional electrical conductors. The position of the actuatorfrequently requires a relatively large amount of installation space,comparatively, especially in the case of combined AC/DC chargingsockets.

Against the background of increasing requirements and increasingfunctions, charging sockets must, for example, increasingly accommodatefurther electrical and above all electronic components and elements, forexample with the aid of circuit boards. This also includes therequirement for internal contacting and activation of the actuator ofthe securing mechanism.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a socket, comprising: ahousing; and an actuator detachably mountable or mounted on an outsideof the housing, and configured to actuate a locking element for lockingthe socket to a connector in a locking position, wherein the housingcomprises a passage configured to guide the locking element through thehousing, and wherein the passage is configured to penetrate the housingand is arranged within a sealing region of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in even greater detail belowbased on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to theexemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of variousembodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading thefollowing detailed description with reference to the attached drawingswhich illustrate the following:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of asocket according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a further exemplaryembodiment of a socket according to the invention;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket according to the invention;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the socketaccording to the invention as shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the socketaccording to the invention as shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket according to the invention;

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the socketaccording to the invention as shown in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an improved socket.

According to a first general aspect, the invention relates to a socket,preferably a charging socket, having a housing and an actuator that canbe or is detachably mounted on an outside of the housing, preferably onan outside of the housing situated opposite the connector face of thesocket, for actuating a locking element for locking the socket to aconnector, preferably a charging connector, in a locking position,wherein the housing comprises a passage for guiding the locking elementat least through the housing and/or beyond, wherein the passage isdesigned to penetrate the housing, preferably to form openings on thehousing, and is arranged within a sealing region of the housing.

A socket can thereby be provided, for example, which is characterized byan optimized, preferably space-saving design. In other words, animproved utilization of the installation space is preferably ensured viathe socket according to the invention.

The housing, and thus walls and/or wall sections of the housing, canpreferably be formed at least in sections from an insulating material,preferably based on a plastic. The housing can be formed, for example,via at least one injection-molding process and/or via at least onecasting process.

The actuator can be designed, for example, as an electromechanical 12 Vlocking actuator or as an electromechanical 24 V locking actuator.

The locking element can preferably be formed, at least in sections, as acylindrical locking pin or as a cylindrical locking bolt, and can beconfigured or dimensioned such that, in the state of the locking of thesocket with a connector, withstands withdrawal forces on the connecterup to, for example, approximately 150 N. In this way, unintentional orunauthorized withdrawal of the connector from the socket is preferablyavoided. For example, the locking element can be made of a metallicmaterial, or alternatively also of a non-metallic material ofcorresponding strength.

The locking position can preferably represent a position of the socketand of the connector, in which the socket and the connector form aconnector connection, meaning that the connector is inserted into thesocket, and preferably a state for enabling the transmission ofelectrical energy via this connector connection is present.

The passage can preferably be formed by walls and/or wall sections ofthe housing of the socket, preferably in the form of a tunnel orchannel. The passage can extend, for example, in the plug-in directionof the socket from the outside, on which outside the actuator can be oris detachably mounted, to an opposite outside on which the connectorface of the socket is located, and thus can penetrate the housing.

The passage can preferably be designed as a profile which is closed orat least sealed in the circumferential direction and penetrates thehousing. For example, it is thereby ensured that no undesired harmfulmedia such as, for example, dirt/dust or water pass via the passage intothe interior of the housing. Furthermore, it is thereby ensured that thelocking element does not come into contact with other components orelements within the housing of the socket.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe passage forms at least two openings on the outside of the housing,wherein the at least two openings are preferably arranged opposite oneanother.

The locking element can be inserted into the passage via an opening,preferably at the outside opposite the connector face of the socket, andcan be guided in the passage in a translatory manner, preferably atleast in sections, by means of the actuator.

Via a substantially rectilinear design of the passage with oppositeopenings on the outside of the housing, a simple and cost-effectivemanufacturing capability is ensured for the socket, for example.Furthermore, the locking element can thus be guided optimally, forexample, and there is no hindrance or constraint of the locking element,preferably during the actuation and/or guidance in the passage.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe passage is designed to penetrate the housing, at least in sections,substantially parallel or oblique to the plug-in direction of thesocket, preferably in the plug-in direction of at least one contactelement for transmitting electrical energy and/or electrical signals;and/or the locking element is designed to be operable at least insections substantially parallel or oblique to the plug-in direction ofthe socket.

For example, an easier manufacturability of the socket is therebyensured.

Furthermore, it is thereby possible, for example, to provide connectorsockets in a corresponding scope in different embodiments with differentconnector faces, each having an identical or at least nearly identicalinner housing section, since only the cross section of the passageand/or the locking element must be configured and/or formed accordingly.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe sealing region is designed as a dry region, in which at least onecontact element for transmitting electrical energy and/or electricalsignals is arranged, at least in sections.

Due to isolation requirements, the sealing region can preferably bedesigned as a sealed region of the housing, and thus of the socket,which is preferably designed to be medium-tight, preferably liquid-tightand/or gas-tight, relative to the environment of the socket. For thispurpose, the sealing region can have seals, for example based onplastomer or elastomer, for example at walls and/or wall portions of thehousing, which seals contact at least in sections.

It can thereby be ensured, for example, that components and elementswithin the housing of the socket are protected primarily against harmfulmedia, and thus damage to the socket as a whole is avoided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe actuator can be or is detachably mounted and/or is arranged on theoutside of the housing in a view, preferably in a side view in theconnection direction of the socket, within the contour or the projectionsurface of the housing, preferably within the contour or the projectionsurface of the sealing region.

An installation space-optimized position of the actuator on the socket,and thus overall a compact design of the socket, can thereby be ensured.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing partwhich can be or is detachably mounted on the first housing part, whereinthe passage is designed to penetrate the first housing part and thesecond housing part.

The socket is thereby relatively simple to assemble and can also bedismantled again, for example. Electrical and/or electronic componentsand elements, for example at least one contact element at least insections, can be accommodated or housed in a first housing part as acarrier housing part, for example, and the second housing part can beformed more or less as a cover housing part for the carrier housingpart. The actuator preferably can be or is detachably mounted on theoutside of the cover housing part.

It is possible that the socket comprises a seal at least in sections,and/or at least one seal, for forming the sealing region between thefirst housing part and the second housing part.

The seal can, for example, be designed as a correspondingly viscoussealant or as a sealing ring, preferably based on plastic.

It is possible that the actuator is operable and/or configured to becontrollable and/or formed by at least one contact element of thesocket.

For example, an external signal connection and/or power supply for theactuator by means of separate additional electrical conductors canthereby be dispensed with. The actuator can preferably be supplied withelectrical energy and/or controlled via the electrical and/or electroniccomponents and elements located in the socket.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe locking element is cylindrical or pin-shaped at least in sections.

The locking element can preferably be embodied, at least in sections, asa cylindrical locking pin or locking bolt. For example, a simplerguidance of the locking element into the passage and preferably beyondit, that is to say into a provided region on the connector for lockingthe socket to the connector in the state of the connector connection, isthereby enabled.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe housing has, on the outside, preferably on the outside opposite theconnector face of the socket, a mounting portion, which is configuredand/or designed for mounting an assembly, wherein the mounting portionis preferably arranged adjacent to the actuator.

For example, further or additional electrical and/or electroniccomponents and elements now can be or are detachably mounted on themounting portion, preferably by means of further housing parts.

It is possible that at least one seal is arranged between the actuatorand the outside. The at least one seal can preferably be arranged orformed circumferentially around an opening of the passage.

It is thereby prevented, for example, that harmful media, such as forexample water or dirt/dust, penetrate into the passage at the mountingpoint between actuator and housing and arrive at current-conductingcomponents and elements via the passage and/or the locking element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe passage is formed integrally as one piece, at least in sections,preferably integrally as one piece, at least in sections, with a firsthousing part and/or a second housing part, said passage preferably beingformed from an insulating material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided thatthe cross section of the passage is formed substantially round and/oroval and/or rectangular, at least in sections.

A second general aspect of the invention relates to an arrangementcomprising a socket, preferably a charging socket, as disclosed herein,and a connector, preferably a charging connector.

So that the connector with the socket as disclosed herein can assume aconnector connection and preferably a locking position with the socket,the connector is preferably designed in the form of a mating connectorelement with respect to the socket, and comprises at least one region ora section in which the locking element can lock the connector to lockthe connector to the socket, preferably forming a detachableform-fitting connection.

A third general aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, preferablyan electrically powered vehicle, having a socket as disclosed herein.

To avoid repetition, features directed purely toward the device of thetool according to the invention and/or disclosed in conjunctiontherewith should also be considered to be disclosed and be able to beclaimed in accordance with the method and vice versa.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are denotedby the same reference signs in Figures. For the explanation thereof,reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplaryembodiments and/or Figures in order to avoid repetitions.

The following detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the figures serves for more detailed illustration orclarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention inany way.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, i.e. simplified, representation (sidesectional view) of an exemplary embodiment of a socket 1 according tothe invention.

The socket 1 is preferably designed as a charging socket and canpreferably be used in the field of electromobility. The socket 1 cantherefore be part of an electrically powered vehicle, that is to say anelectric vehicle (not shown in FIG. 1 ), and can serve as an interfacefor charging the electric vehicle with electrical energy.

The socket 1 comprises a housing 100. The housing 100 is preferablyformed substantially and/or at least in sections from an electricallynon-conductive material, that is to say an insulating material. Thehousing 100 has a first housing part 110 and a second housing part 120.In sections, the first housing part 110 contacts the second housing part120 on end faces of wall portions that are configured and formedcorrespondingly to one another. Between the first housing part 110 andthe second housing part 120, that is to say in the contact region, aseal (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for forming a sealing region 5 of the socket1 is preferably arranged, which is explained in more detail below.

The first housing part 110 is preferably detachably connected, interalia, by means of screw connections to the second housing part 120, oris detachably mounted thereto (not shown in FIG. 1 ).

The second housing part 120 has a connector face 100G. The connectorface 100G comprises a connector portion 100S, in which are arrangedcomponents and elements for transmitting electrical energy and/orelectrical signals.

The connector face 100G, and thus the connector portion 100S, isconfigured and designed to form a connector connection with a chargingconnector (not shown in FIG. 1 ). The connector direction between thecharging connector and the socket 1 is denoted by “XS” in FIG. 1 andfurther Figures.

The first housing part 110 comprises, on the outside 100A, an actuator 2which can be or is detachably mounted on the outside 100A. The actuator2 is preferably designed as an electromechanical actuator and comprisesa locking element 3. The locking element 3 is preferably designed as alocking pin or as a locking bolt, and therefore has a cylindricalcontour at least in sections. The actuator 2 is configured and designedto set the locking element 3 in motion, at least in sections, linearly,that is to say in a translatory manner in the actuation direction of thelocking element 3 characterized by “XV”, and/or rotationally. By meansof the locking element 3, a connector inserted into the socket 1 can bemechanically locked to form a preferably form-fitting connection,preferably during the transmission of electrical energy via thearrangement of the socket 1 with the connector, i.e., for example duringa charging phase of an electric vehicle.

The actuator 2 is or can be detachably mounted on the housing 100, thatis to say on the outside 100A of the first housing part 110, preferablyby means of the formation of screw connections and, at least insections, via plug connections, which is explained in more detail usingfurther Figures.

The housing 100, and thus the first housing part 110 and the secondhousing part 120, have a passage 4 which is designed to penetrate thehousing 100. The passage 4 can preferably be designed in the form of atunnel or channel. In other words, the passage 4 extends from an outside100A of the housing 100, preferably a rear side of the housing 100,through the housing 100, to an opposite outside 100A of the housing 100,preferably a connector face 100G of the housing 100. The passage 4 isprovided, and accordingly designed, for guiding the locking element 3through the housing 100 by means of the actuator 2.

The passage 4, that is to say corresponding walls and/or wall sectionsof the first housing part 110 and of the second housing part 120, arepreferably designed such that a substantially cylindrical contour isformed, at least in sections, in order to guide the locking element 3optimally, preferably virtually without play.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the passage 4 travels or extends in or within thesealing region 5 of the housing 100 of the socket 1. In other words, thepassage 4 is formed and/or arranged in a region of the socket 1, that isto say of the housing 100, in which in particular electricallyconductive components and elements such as, for example, circuit boardsor contact elements 6 (see FIG. 2 ) are accommodated at least insections, or are arranged within the housing 100.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic, i.e. simplified, representation (sidesectional view) of a further exemplary embodiment of a socket 1according to the invention.

A re-explanation of components and elements already described using FIG.1 is omitted in part in order to avoid repetitions.

The socket 1 shown in FIG. 2 —analogous to the socket 1 schematicallydepicted in FIG. 1 —also comprises a housing 100 with a first housingpart 110 and a second housing part 120. For the socket 1 in FIG. 2 ,primarily the connector section 100S of the connector face 100G of thesecond housing part 120 is clearly visible. Located within the connectorportion 100S is at least one contact element 6 at least for transmittingelectrical energy and/or electrical signals.

Located between the first housing part 110 and the second housing part120 is a seal 5A on corresponding end faces of walls and/or wallsections, which seal 5A is shown with graphical emphasis in FIG. 2 . Theseal 5A can, for example, be formed from an elastomer, for examplesilicone. The seal 5A preferably runs between the first housing part 110and the second housing part 120, along an outer contour of the housing100.

The seal 5A, which is thus more or less circumferential within thesocket 1, forms a sealing region 5, in which are arranged electricalcomponents and elements to be protected.

The sealing region 5 of the socket 1, together with the first housingpart 110 and the second housing part 120, is configured and designedsuch that no harmful media, for example dust/dirt, water etc., canpenetrate into the interior of the socket 1.

The passage 4 of the socket 1 extends via the first housing part 110,from an outside 100A of the housing 100 and the second housing part 120to an outside 100A of the housing 100, which has the connector face 100Gwith the connector portion 100S and accommodates the locking element 3for guiding at least in portions in the passage 4.

At the fastening point between the first housing part 110 and the secondhousing part 120 in the region of the passage 4, a further seal 5B forsaid passage 4 is provided between the first housing part 110 and thesecond housing part 120. In addition, a further seal 5C can be arrangedbetween the actuator 2 and the outside 100A of the housing 100, that isto say the first housing part 110, in order preferably to prevent thepenetration of dirt/dust and/or water at this point.

Due to the arrangement and/or formation of the passage 4 within thesealing region 5 of the socket 1, and the correspondingly provided seals5B, 5C, the locking of a connector in the state of forming a plugconnection with the socket 1, and thus in a locking position, can takeplace without impairing the further components and/or elements withinthe socket 1.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2 , the actuator 2 is preferablydetachably connected to the housing 100 within the sealing region 5, onthe outside 100A of the first housing part 110. In other words, in aview in the connector direction XS, the actuator 2 is located within theprojection area of the socket 1, and preferably within the projectionarea of the sealing region 5. For example, a compact and space-savingdesign of the socket 1 is therewith ensured.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket according to the invention 1.

Here, the socket 1 also comprises a first housing part 110 and a secondhousing part 120, wherein the second housing part 120 has a connectorface 100G with a connector portion 100S.

The first housing part 110 of the housing 100 is configured and designedon the outside 100A to detachably mount an actuator 2. The mounting ofthe actuator 2 preferably takes place at least in sections by means of aplug connection between a connector section on the actuator 2 and amating connector section on the outside 100A of the first housing part110, as well as by means of screw connections SV.

As already explained, the actuator 2 comprises the locking element 3,here in the form of a cylindrical locking bolt 3, at least fortranslatory actuation in the actuation direction XV.

The actuation direction XV of the locking element 3 for a translatorymovement is preferably substantially parallel to the connector directionXS of the socket 1 with which a plug connection with a connector (notshown in FIG. 3A) can be formed.

FIG. 3B shows a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket 1according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The mounting section 100M located on the outside 100A of the housing100, that is to say of the housing part 110, is easily visible lateralto the actuator 2, said mounting section 100M being for receiving ormounting further components and elements, such as sensors fortemperature measurement. Furthermore, from the view in the connectordirection XS of the socket 1 as shown in FIG. 3B, it can be learned thatthe actuator 2 and the locking element 3 are arranged in the passage 4within the contour or projection area of the sealing region 5—here shownby dashed lines—on or in the housing 100. For more detailedillustration, the contour or the cross section of the passage 4 throughthe first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 is also shownin dashed lines.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket 1 according to the invention,which—just like the preceding exemplary embodiments—is furnished with afirst housing part 110 and a second housing part 120.

The actuator 2 can be detachably mounted on the outside 100A of thehousing 100 with the locking element 3 in such a way that the lockingelement 3 is located in the vicinity of the wall section of theconnector section 100S of the connector face 100G due to the arrangementof the passage 4. In other words, the passage 4 and the locking element3 guided in the passage 4 are arranged more or less in the middle orcentrally situated region of the socket 1.

FIG. 4B shows a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket 1according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective representation (exploded view) of a furtherexemplary embodiment of a socket according to the invention 1.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the socket 1according to the invention as shown in FIG. 5A, in which, in turn, theposition of the passage 4 through the housing 100 and the course of thesealing region 5 of the housing 100 are indicated, that is to say areshown in dashed lines.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and descriptionare to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Itwill be understood that changes and modifications may be made by thoseof ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. Inparticular, the present invention covers further embodiments with anycombination of features from different embodiments described above andbelow. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the inventionrefer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily allembodiments.

The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadestreasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. Forexample, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an elementshould not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements.Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as beinginclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “Aand B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing descriptionthat only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “atleast one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a groupof elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted asrequiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C,regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise.Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B orC” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from thelisted elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., Aand B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 Socket    -   2 Actuator    -   3 Locking element    -   4 Passage    -   5 Sealing region    -   5B, 5C Seal    -   6 Contact element    -   100 Housing    -   101 Opening    -   102 Opening    -   110 First housing part    -   120 Second housing part    -   100A Outside    -   100G Connector face    -   100M Mounting portion    -   100S Connector section    -   XS Plug-in direction    -   XV Actuation direction

1. A socket, comprising: a housing; and an actuator detachably mountableor mounted on an outside of the housing, and configured to actuate alocking element for locking the socket to a connector in a lockingposition, wherein the housing comprises a passage configured to guidethe locking element through the housing, and wherein the passage isconfigured to penetrate the housing and is arranged within a sealingregion of the housing.
 2. The socket of claim 1, wherein the passageforms at least two openings on the outside of the housing.
 3. The socketof claim 1, wherein the passage is configured to penetrate the housing,at least in sections, substantially parallel or oblique to a plug-indirection of the socket, and/or the locking element is configured to beoperable, at least in sections, substantially parallel or at an angle tothe plug-in direction of the socket.
 4. The socket of claim 1, whereinthe sealing region comprises a dry region, in which is arranged at leasta portion of at least one contact element for transmitting electricalenergy and/or electrical signals.
 5. The socket of claim 1, wherein, ina view, the actuator is detachably mountable and/or is arranged on theoutside of the housing a contour of the housing.
 6. The socket of claim1, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part and a secondhousing part detachably mountable on the first housing part, and whereinthe passage is configured to penetrate the first housing part and thesecond housing part.
 7. The socket of claim 6, further comprising: atleast one seal configured to form the sealing region between the firsthousing part and the second housing part.
 8. The socket of claim 1,wherein the actuator is operable and/or controllable via at least onecontact element of the socket.
 9. The socket of claim 1, wherein thelocking element is cylindrical or pin-shaped at least in sections. 10.The socket of claim 1, wherein the housing has on the outside, amounting portion configured for mounting of an assembly.
 11. The socketof claim 1, wherein at least one seal is arranged between the actuatorand the outside of the housing.
 12. The socket of claim 1, wherein thepassage is integrally formed as one piece, at least in sections.
 13. Thesocket of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the passage issubstantially round and/or oval and/or rectangular at least in sections.14. An arrangement comprising: the socket of claim 1; and a connector.15. A vehicle, comprising: the socket of claim
 1. 16. The socket ofclaim 2, wherein the at least two openings are arranged opposite oneanother.
 17. The socket of claim 5, wherein the view is a side view inthe plug-in direction of the socket, and wherein the actuator isdetachably mountable and/or is arranged on the outside of the housingwithin a contour of the sealing region.
 18. The socket of claim 10,wherein the mounting portion is on the outside of the housing opposite aconnector face of the socket, and wherein the mounting portion isarranged adjacent to the actuator.
 19. The socket of claim 11, whereinthe at least one seal is arranged circumferentially around an opening ofthe passage.
 20. The socket of claim 12, wherein the passage is formedintegrally as one piece with a first housing part and/or with a secondhousing part, and wherein the passage comprises an insulating material.